When curriculum theory came to Sweden

Abstract

Curricula have been used in Sweden as the instrument for state governance and control in the school system. In the early 20th century when a progressive pedagogy emerged, curricula were modernised and became the focus of public debates. Sweden, which did not take part in World War II, had in its wake a head start and thus a fast growing economy. A welfare state was established with education as one of its cornerstones. These post-war reforms involved educational researchers who carried out empirically based curriculum research. However, in the 1970s, a critical empirical and theoretical research emerged. This article describes this emergence of curriculum research in Sweden, focusing particularly on curriculum theory, told from my personal experience and perspective.